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Keep Water Out of Your Basement: Extend Your Downspouts

Heavy rain can wreak havoc on a home. For every inch of rain your home receives, your roof diverts about 600 gallons of water. That means that, during some storms, your home could see well over 1,000 gallons of water run through its gutters. There are many situations, however, that could keep water from flowing away from your home properly. Clogged gutters, for instance, can interrupt this flow and cause water to pour over your gutters’ edge. This water inevitably ends up at the foundation of your home. Another time water finds its way towards your basement is when your downspouts don’t extend far enough away from your home. If your downspouts aren’t diverted at least 8-10 feet from your home’s foundation, you’re essentially inviting thousands of gallons of water to head directly for your basement. If you have even a minor foundation crack, it will find its way in. While some people’s homes were built with underground drain lines for their downspouts, not everyone is so lucky. There are ways to alleviate this problem, however. If you simply extend your downspouts, you can extend the life of your foundation and protect your basement.

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Use an Aluminum Elbow and Extension

Extend Your Downspouts One of the simplest and cheapest ways to extend your downspout is by simply using more downspout. You can buy an aluminum or vinyl elbow, attach it to your current downspout, and add on another section. This will divert the water away from your foundation as shown in the picture you see here. Notice, however, that this homeowner only extended the downspout three feet from her foundation. It is essential to divert the water at least 8 to 10 feet away from your home. Many people don’t do this because of where their property lines are or because they don’t want aluminum pipe sticking out into their yard. If creating an eyesore or tripping hazard is on your mind, good news. There are less obtrusive steps you can take.

Convertible Drain Extensions

Extend Your Downspouts

Via Frost King/Thermwell

There are several products on the market that allow you to extend your downspouts when it’s raining, and only when it’s raining. Some of these come in the form of accordion-like plastic pipes that can be extended when rain is expected. These are a very affordable option. Another is the Drain Away system. This product consists of a vinyl tube that attaches to the bottom of your downspout. While it is initially rolled up at the base of your home, it automatically unrolls when it rains, allowing the water to be diverted away from your foundation.  It can also be cut to your desired length. You will have to roll it back up when the rain stops, but this is a much less visible solution than aluminum tubing.

Underground Diverter

Extend Your Downspouts

Via WaterProof.com, LLC

While not everyone has underground drains for their downspouts, you can have the next best thing. You can extend your downspouts by using an UnderGround Downspout Extension Kit. This system uses an above ground debris filter and an underground pipe to divert water to a “bubbler pot” installed in your yard. This eliminates eyesores attached to your home and allows you to determine where you would like the water diverted. There is some trench digging involved, and you will need to dispose of the excess soil. If you’re comfortable with gluing together PVC pipe, however, this is could be a great DIY project. Just be sure to check with your local utilities before digging in any part of your yard.

Keep Water Out of Your Basement: Extend Your Downspouts

If you need help stopping intruding water in your home, or want help diverting water away from your basement, no problem. Just hail a ProMaster “Home Repair Hero” today! You can schedule online, use the “Reach Out” form at the bottom of this page, or call 513-322-2914.

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